High School Chapel

Mar112017

A few times a year, I have the opportunity to speak at our high school's chapel service. The most recent opportunity came last week, and I spent a lot of time prior to then praying and planning where to go with it. I finally decided to build the message around the song "Jesus, Jesus" by Noah Gunderson. Hardly a Christian radio worship tune, this song is a millennial anthem for those raised in American evangelicalism. The lyrics go as follows:

Jesus, Jesus, could you tell me what the problem isWith the world and all the people in it?Because I've been hearing stories about the end of the worldBut I'm in love with a girl and I don't wanna leave herAnd the television screams such hideous thingsThey're talking about the war on the radioThey say the whole thing's gonna blowAnd we will all be left aloneNo we'll be dead and we won't know what hit us

Jesus, Jesus, if you're up there won't you hear me‘Cause I've been wondering if you're listening for quite a whileAnd Jesus, Jesus, it's such a pretty place we live inAnd I know we fucked it up, please be kindDon't let us go out like the dinosaursOr blown to bits in a third world warThere are a hundred different things I'd still like to doI'd like to climb to the top of the Eiffel TowerLook up from the ground at a meteor showerAnd maybe even raise a family

Jesus, Jesus, there are those that say they love youBut they have treated me so goddamn meanAnd I know you said ‘forgive them for they know not what they do'But sometimes I think they doAnd I think about youIf all the heathens burn in hell, do all their children burn as well?What about the Muslims and the gays and the unwed mothers?What about me and all my friends?Are we all sinners if we sin?Does it even matter in the end if we're unhappy?

Jesus, Jesus, I'm still looking for answersThough I know that I won't find them here tonightBut Jesus, Jesus, could you call me if you have the time?And maybe we could meet for coffee and work it outAnd maybe then I'll understand what it's all about

After playing the song, I tried to address the various themes contained within: the fear-driven end times rhetoric, the contradiction of church folk who mistreat others, the big questions of grace and morality. I tried to assure the kids that it's okay for them to be confused; in fact God is often confusing. I encouraged them to find people who will listen to them without judgment. I encouraged them to avoid giving or accepting trite, simplistic answers to questions we've been asking for thousands of years. And I encouraged them, like Noah Gunderson, to invite Jesus over for a cup of coffee. If we seek Him, He told us, we will find Him.

A Few Testimonies

The presentation was fun and encouraging... The gospel message was clear and encouraging. I purchased your book and just finished it. Your scope is broad and again encouraging. May God continue to bless your ministry. I will encourage others to read your book. -Parishioner of a local church

"Hey, I just wanted to say that was a great message in chapel today! It touched something:) thanks for doing it!" -High School Student

"We are so grateful that you brought your amazing ministry back to our church this year... The Gospel message you bring applies to all! It is such a positive, valuable work that you do." -Coordinator of Christian Ed. UCC Church

"There's no questioning it. This is powerful stuff. It's extremely touching at times, never less than entertaining, and I see a lot of sincere love for Jesus in you guys." -Dwight Lilies, song writer

The Lord has given you a wonderful window through which to present the Gospel! - Field Director of Alliance Missions to Paraguay

"What a wonderful ministry to both children and adults. In past years it has been a struggle to arrange programing that would hold the attention of all ages, but also challenge each heart with God's gift of Salvation. Thank you for sharing your ministry." -Sunday School Sup't.